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@olliephelan
3 күн бұрын
This scene in the book is almost identical to DeNero in the Irishman. He kills in the diner (Joe Gallo) He explains that you need a certain gun (as clemenza does ; loud etc ) He says you should go to the toilet and come out blazing (what clemenza says to Mike). He says you might need the toilet because you dont want to be uncomfortable if you need to go. In the book Mike actually needs to crap because of nerves. He says you dont want to kill the bodyguard (no beef with him/just disable him). There was a bodyguard in the restaurant but he raised his hands after Mike pointed the gun at him. I think the Irishman based the Gallo scene on this (or rather the books description)
@timconsidine6023
16 күн бұрын
You are incorrect. Michael did not attend the dinner to negotiate. He went there with the full commitment to kill Sollozzo. The assassination was Michael’s idea and his plan. The only way Sollozzo was not going to die that night would have been if he killed Michael first or if the gun had not been in the bathroom as planned. Thanks for finding the subtitles. I had not seen that before!
@halfsourlizard9319
14 күн бұрын
Just rewatched the film: Can confirm.
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@halfsourlizard9319 thank you!
@cha5
14 күн бұрын
Yeah, Michael went in there with the express purpose of killing Sollozzo, It even mentions in the novel that Michael feels certain that this proposed "Truce" would only last a day or two before Sollozzo would try to kill Vito again. I think that when Michael mentioned that he wanted a guarantee from Sollozzo that there would be no further attempts on his Father's life that it was just curiosity on Michael's part as to what his answer would be and when he made no assurance whatsoever that pretty much was Sollozo's death sentence. Interestingly in the novel it's pretty much established that Vito was wounded too badly to be transported back to the Corleone Family Mall Compound and he needed constant medical access which was why he had to stay in the hospital and was a sitting duck there which was a big reason why Sollozzo had to be killed before he had another chance to kill Vito.
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@cha5 so what's his motivation in the scene?
@user-cw1gd2em6j
12 күн бұрын
Also his "rookie mistake" of not letting the gun drop to the floor. He's walking away, only to realize that he still has it in his hand. It was as if it was "burning" in his hands. I could never decide it that was a "Michael Mistake" or a "Pachino Blooper" that F.C. decided to keep in.
@reneseuret6271
18 күн бұрын
You missed the sound of the train and Michael's eyes before making the decision to kill them both. The approaching train symbolizes his thoughts, that torment before committing an action with no coming back, the dramatic music finalizing the scene is telling that now he is also a criminal, not anymore the war hero, the respectable citizens that he was once. When Don Vito heard that it was Michael who killed Sollozzo and the cop, he was very upset as he never wanted that life for Michael, despite knowing that he was the only one capable of being a Don. Fredo, too weak and Santino with too much fire, unable to see beyond his anger. The Godfather is a Masterpiece, the book is even better.
@decodinghollywood8175
18 күн бұрын
@@reneseuret6271 this is some of the best analysis in the comments! I love when people think through their analysis and dig deep! I hope you subscribe and stay part of the community! We need your thoughtful comments
@garybono
14 күн бұрын
To me the train was an early illustration of Michael's cunning and ability to improvise. I think he heard the train early in his time at the restaurant then, after he has retrieved the gun, rather than shoot them right away, like he was advised, he waits until the train comes again so that it masks the sound of the gunshots.
@busterbiloxi3833
13 күн бұрын
His analysis is bonkers.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
@@busterbiloxi3833in what way?
@DeCurtaRican
13 күн бұрын
No decision. He has made that decision before ever getting into the car. I think the train motif symbolizes business as usual. The train is moving according to a schedule whether people want it to or not. Michael Corleone is resigned to killing Sollozzo and Chief McClutsky even though he doesn’t want to. He realizes that it’s just business…a necessary evil.
@GerryTomchinsky
11 күн бұрын
All due respect, you couldn't be more wrong. That dinner wasn't a negotiation, it was a hit! In the scene the Don's den, Michael says "Solozzo HAS to kill pop, that's the key for him" Solozzo & McCluskey were history!
@skineyemin4276
7 күн бұрын
These kids have never watched this or Part II. It's actually very mind numbing to me.
@GerryTomchinsky
7 күн бұрын
@@skineyemin4276 It's actually kind of insulting to our intelligence. How can you make a video that's SO inaccurate and post it with total self confidence
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@sallabruno1035
3 күн бұрын
Thinking the same thing the entire time watching that scene. There was no debate in Michael’s mind. He went there specifically to kill them both.
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
@@GerryTomchinsky I said that Michael's scene intention was to protect his father, and killing solozzo was the answer
@bulldawg7232
15 күн бұрын
Fact, Coppala really hid the gun where Al couldn't find it to make the scene more authentic
@decodinghollywood8175
15 күн бұрын
@@bulldawg7232 great comment! Welcome to the community and hope you subscribe and see the next video!
@bulldawg7232
15 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 subscribed!
9 күн бұрын
My name and his is Coppola, wrongly and infuriatingly pronounced in America as Cope-ola. It’s (roughly) pronounced Cop-pola. Still, a brilliant film and a superb director and cast. 😊
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@mbryson2899
7 сағат бұрын
Actually, Puzo told Clemenza where to hide it. It was all in the book, and thence into script. COP-pola did a LOT, but not this thing.
@zulubeatz1
6 күн бұрын
One of the impressions I got from he whole Godfather saga is that the qualities and experience that made Vito rise to the top of his organization are not things that can be passed on to kids who have been brought up in a different set of circumstances.
@petesaria-hf1xh
6 күн бұрын
Good observation.
@rhino5100
5 күн бұрын
Yes, that's a good point. Michael is the only one who is really different as he is actually a war veteran. His brothers (and half-brother Tom who was on a college deferment) sat out the war and don't have what it takes. They can't see what's coming.
@anthonydolan3740
9 күн бұрын
Tom Hagen could never inherit. He's not a blood relative and he's not a Sicilian.
@decodinghollywood8175
9 күн бұрын
@@anthonydolan3740 good point, but at times, he leads by default
@donaldcarpenter5328
4 күн бұрын
Only Sonny was going to inherit, the Don set up the confrontation in order to see how well Sonny handled himself. Obviously him getting hit was NOT in the "plan". Sonny wouldn't have lost to Tatallia but Barzini was a different matter. Sonny was a "bad" Don, ONLY his father could say it out loud though we KNOW that's how Tom felt. Ironically, Tom could NEVER believe Michael was EVERY bit his father's son and that led to tension between the two.
@mrnice7570
3 күн бұрын
" your going to be the don when I'm gone tom"- Michael Corleone GF2
@DeCurtaRican
13 күн бұрын
“…in your pocket like so many nickels and dimes…” That line is how Don Corleone later figured out Barzini’s role in the hits on the Don and Sonny. Barzini uses a similar phrase when a newly recovered Don Corleone attends a summit between the five families to negotiate Michael’s safe return to the states.
@MikeR773
12 күн бұрын
I’ve never heard Barzini use that phrase in that meeting.
@davemccombs
12 күн бұрын
He objectively does not
@DeCurtaRican
10 күн бұрын
@@davemccombs : You are incorrect. Barzini gives Vito an ultimatum, threatening him to share his connections or face being a foe. Don Corleone sniffs this out as the nexus between Solozzo’s main request and the attacks because Barzini mentions the political protection at the summit. Watch the Don Corleone-Solozzo meeting scene and then watch the summit scene again and you’ll understand. Tataglia explicitly mentions the judges and politicians that Don Corleone has in his pockets. Barzini not only explicitly mentions the judges and politicians in Corleone’s pockets, he implores Don Corleone to share them. “You must allow us to draw the water from the well.” Knowing what he knows about the two men’s tactical abilities, Corleone puts it together that Tataglia has asked Barzini to use his muscle to force Don Cirlrone into sharing. But make no mistake about it, Barzini explicitly orders Don Corleone to share his political connections to stop the bloodshed. It’s a threat.
@DeCurtaRican
10 күн бұрын
@@MikeR773 : You are wrong. Barzini gives Vito an ultimatum, threatening him to share his connections or face being a foe. Barzini exhibits a kind of jealousy toward Don Corleone. He’s furious that Don Corleone can operate with a level of freedom that he cannot, and that the political protection could allow Don Corleone to break any of the other families at his whim. They worry that the playing field is not level. So they tey two tactics to bait Don Corleone neither of which he takes: (1) lure him into the drug business so that he is viewed as being as “dirty” as the other families, and (2) coax or threaten him into sharing his political connections. Don Corleone sniffs this out as the nexus between Solozzo’s main request and the ensuing attacks because Barzini later mentions the political protection at the summit. Review the scene. Barzini sends Don Corleone another veiled threat at the summit: share your wealth, i.e., “allow us to draw from the (political) well” or face more death and destruction.
@DeCurtaRican
10 күн бұрын
@@MikeR773 : You should have read my original post more closely. I never said Barzini uses that exact phrase. I said he uses similar language, and he does. Tataglia explicitly mentions the judges and politicians that Don Corleone has in his pockets. Barzini not only mentions the judges and politicians in Corleone’s pocket but implores Don Corleone to share them. They’re tag-teaming at the summit. Knowing what he knows about the two men’s tactical abilities, he puts it together that Tataglia has asked Barzini to use his muscle to force Don Corleone into sharing. But make no mistake about it, Barzini explicitly Don Corleone to share his political connections. It’s a veiled threat. Btw, when critiquing movies, novels, or plays, always use present tense! It’s standard practice.
@haroldbridges515
9 күн бұрын
This is the scene where I learned that directors can edit a movie after its theatrical release and before it goes to DVD. In the original release of "Godfather" there were several additional scenes in the restaurant. Just after arriving Michael notices a hoodlum leaning against the wall, whom he realizes is one of Salozzo's men. Then, after shooting the cop and with the gun still in hamd he looks over again to the hoodlum who tosses his own gun on the floor and raises both hands in a "no contest" gesture, after which Michael leaves. In the current version we can barely see what looks to be the same guy now sitting at the other end of the dining room. After the shooting we see him very briefly standing with his hands in the "no contest" gesture. So, a small point. Probably Coppola or the editor thought the deleted scenes slowed down the scene and that the audience would not find it odd that Salozzo went to the meet without backup. I have never seen anyone comment on these post-release edits.
@timconsidine6023
9 күн бұрын
Wow. Thanks for sharing that. I'll have to check it out!
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@jrpipik
13 күн бұрын
Another key scene was Michael taking action at the hospital. He immediately senses something is wrong and takes decisive action. When He tells Vito, "I'm with you," he has taken his first step into the mob life. After that, he's committed.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
@@jrpipik great observation! Hope you subscribe and welcome to the community
@rastalique8114
7 күн бұрын
Michael's actions at the hospital seem spot on for a Marine officer. Acess danger, formulate a plan and take action. His situational awareness was right in telling the baker to have hand in poctect to imply them being armed.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@Pbadome1
13 күн бұрын
One interesting thing I'd like to add, which was not in this scene. When Michael went to the hospital to visit his father, and the place was empty, he called Sonny about it, in the meantime, Enzo the baker came in with flowers. Fast forward, Michael instructed Enzo to stand at the stairs with him when that car pulled up, and told him he'd be fine. Well, the car drove up, and Michael began to reach into his coat to make them believe that not only did he have a weapon, but that there may be many more people inside to protect his father. So, that's the set up and here's my point. Enzo couldn't light his cigarette because he was shaking, so Michael lit it for him. Michael closed the lighter and stared at it for a few moments. What I concluded was that Michael saw his own hands not trembling. This might not be as big as his first hit, but I think the character realized that he just wasn't able to be afraid, perhaps colder as we do see as the movie progresses.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
@@Pbadome1 definitely
@MikeR773
12 күн бұрын
I believe Enzo’s actor was legitimately shaking because he had no acting experience and was very nervous, and Coppola decided to go with it.
@decodinghollywood8175
12 күн бұрын
@@MikeR773 personally, I think it was in the direction. I'm the director's commentary, Coppola said that the decision was deliberate to show that Michael was cooler under pressure
@MikeR773
12 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 fair enough. I didn't watch that one. I can't remember now where I picked up that trivia, so it's possible it isn't true.
@decodinghollywood8175
12 күн бұрын
@@MikeR773 thanks for being open. Welcome to the community! Hope up subscribe and enjoy future videos!
@mlaprarie
12 күн бұрын
The character development of Michael is beautiful and brilliant. The college educated favorite son, whom the Don wanted out of the business. He enlists, angering his family (except for Fredo, who defended him) and comes back from the war a decorated veteran. We discover his mastery of the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act) when he defends his father while he is recovering from the assassination attempt. We see a darker turn here, when Michael figures out that Tatalaglia and Sollozzo still present an existential threat to members in the family. Only Michael can make the hit on Sollozzo because he is the only family member who is "clean." Michael's attempt to remain clean is truly ended in Sicily, with the murder of Appolonia. She was his first and deepest love, and losing her to a mob hit breaks Michael completely. After Michael becomes Don, his first act is to settle all "family business" thus ending the Barzini threat, the threat of Moe Green in Vegas, and avenging the death of Appolonia. By then he has become everything Vito hoped he would never be.
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
Amazing insight! I hope you subscribe and join the community. We could use a voice like yours!
@timconsidine6023
9 күн бұрын
Two great insights - OODA and the fact that the assassination of Appolonia sends him past the point of no return. This discussion is great as it is revealing to me even greater levels of brilliance of my favorite film,
@Horifice
9 күн бұрын
Nicely put. You said a few things I tried to point out (clumsily, and without so much supporting evidence) later but before reading your comment. Now I’m embarrassed. Damn your eloquence!
@ellenchavez2043
8 күн бұрын
"I never wanted this for you, Michael." - Don Corelone
@stevenediger7945
4 сағат бұрын
According to Coppola, this was the scene that saved Al Pacino‘s participation in the movie. Pacino was on the verge of being fired until the studio executives saw the scene.
@danmcn61
20 күн бұрын
Paulie didn't tell Michael to kill Sollazzo right away. Paulie was already dead. It was Clemenza who told Michael to "come out blasting" and to kill Sollazzo and McCluskey right away.
@decodinghollywood8175
20 күн бұрын
@@danmcn61 yes, my mistake. I misspoke, our I got confused with Goodfellas
@danmcn61
19 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 Too many Paulies
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@danmcn61 True! I also recorded it from memory not realizing it was going to blow up and everyone was going to mention it haha. I have to be better in my future videos. What other movies should I analyze? Or is there any show from my career that I should talk about?
@johnwhelihan1693
19 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175Cool Hand Luke has many biblical references
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@johnwhelihan1693 I'll have to rewatch it. What are they?
@AmishEcstasy
17 күн бұрын
Captain McCluskey was eating the best veal in the city though
@decodinghollywood8175
17 күн бұрын
yeah, tough break
@amanpretbasuita2725
13 күн бұрын
He got that veal before the wine was even poured, always found that odd.
@ysgol3
13 күн бұрын
At least he managed to eat some of it. I hope the best veal chef didn't resign because of the trauma of blood and bits of brain ending up in his lovely veal.
@markgillis6356
13 күн бұрын
So he had a great last meal, even though it was cut a little short
@waynej2608
12 күн бұрын
I bet that meal was awesome. NYC always had the best veal!
@jeffgolladay5813
16 күн бұрын
One if the greatest movie scenes ever
@decodinghollywood8175
16 күн бұрын
@@jeffgolladay5813 agreed! Hope you are subscribed and welcome to the community
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@Pbadome1
13 күн бұрын
One other thing. When he ordered the veal in English, he asked the waiter in Italian if he understood, and the waiter nodded. Sollozzo then understood that the waiter understood English, and impatiently waited for him to pour the wine and leave.
@Horifice
9 күн бұрын
Seems to be pretty bad continuity that McCluskey is eating before the waiter has even left the table to pass the order to the kitchen.
@Pbadome1
9 күн бұрын
@@Horifice If you watch in another video, a longer version, the waiter comes over with a salad and wine for the table, that's what he was eating before the veal came out.
@aqualady0
8 күн бұрын
@Pbadome1 you are making me hungry
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@cesarantoniotaboadaolvera741
Ай бұрын
You mean ´´Clemenza´´ told Michael to ´´start shooting´´, as soon as he came out of the bathroom. Paulie had been executed already. You know when the scene of ´´Leave the gun take the canoli´´.
@decodinghollywood8175
Ай бұрын
@@cesarantoniotaboadaolvera741 yes, I must have misspoke
@busterbiloxi3833
13 күн бұрын
He was an interior decorator.
@Pbadome1
13 күн бұрын
@@busterbiloxi3833 And Russian
@edsedlak6827
13 күн бұрын
That line is one of my favorite lines ever, and funny too, in a serious movie.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@BrianMax
11 күн бұрын
Excellent analysis. I disagree on one small point: "This was Michael's first kill". Michael was a decorated Marine Corps officer in WWII. He's seen combat. He has killed and ordered other men to kill. Michael tells Kay at the wedding "That's my family, Kay. Not me" and he means it. He joine the Mairne Corps to leave the family life behind, but it put farther along the path to being the Godfather than he knows. His military experience prepared him to handle this mafia war. He goes to the hospital to see his father, and seeing that the police are on Solazzo's side, realizes that his brothers aren't prepared to deal with it, and he is the only one who can. Killing Solozzo and McCluskey was his Rubicon. Once he crossed that, there was no going back.
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
@@BrianMax i get the distinction. I was mostly recording off the cuff, but I'll try to be more accurate in the future
@lastpme
9 күн бұрын
I think the flaw with doing the hit on the Godfather, Sonny would not go into business with Sollozzo. That would show the family loved money more than father and his kids worship him. Also the hit on the Chief of Police should not had caused a war between the family. With the Chief of Police having dinner with a drug dealer would show corruption or extremely bad judgment. Plus, Michael even stated they could use their papers to highlight the Chief of Police compromised situation
@decodinghollywood8175
9 күн бұрын
@@lastpme definitely. We know Sonny was loyal, but solozzo didn't. He was testing that theory
@Gomoboo
6 күн бұрын
A police Captain is not the Chief of Police. Probably in charge of a precinct.
@toddstroger9505
6 сағат бұрын
The war was because Sonny wasn't having it. His father had been shot in the street. Sonny is emotional but a good fighter. Also he isn't giving the other families what they wanted.
@maryp9222
21 күн бұрын
I always wondered if Sonny knew his outburst at his father's meeting was the reason for his father's (attempted) assassination.🤔
@decodinghollywood8175
21 күн бұрын
@@maryp9222 glad it was helpful!
@timverba4830
14 күн бұрын
Vito Corleone saying no to Sollozzo was the reason. Sollozzo was always going to push Vito out of the way if he said no. Sonny simply gave him the justification, that the old Don was not keeping up with the times. He was dead weight that needed to be discarded.
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@timverba4830 it was the fact that Solozzo knew that people in the family would work with him if it weren't for the Don, and he needed political protection
@timconsidine6023
9 күн бұрын
My sense is that Sonny lacked the depth necessary to recognize that causal connection. That's just my gut feel.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@tahoemike5828
2 күн бұрын
They hid Chekhov's gun in the can, and dedicated a whole scene to it, Michael was never not going to shoot them.
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
thank you! hope you subscribe and enjoy future videos
@TenThumbsProductions
23 күн бұрын
Don Corleone isn’t honorable, he is pragmatic. He literally says he doesn’t care what men do to make money, but he doesn’t like the danger.
@melodymakermark
16 күн бұрын
@TenThumbsProductions, I believe he prefaced the comment with “comparatively” or some such.
@mollybolton8425
12 күн бұрын
That's just his BS excuse; he couldn't possibly have meant that (even if it were true), because he knew that if the other families got into the drug business (dangerous or otherwise) and made it, they could easily wipe out the Corelones eventually. Vito's actual reasons for turning down Solozzo was because he didn't trust Barzini (allied w/the Tattaglias) to uphold their end of the bargain, as articulated by Solozzo
@flux1968
8 күн бұрын
@@mollybolton8425That makes sense. I think he shared Sonny's trepidation but didn't want Solazzo to see that. After all, Solazzo wasn't open about working with the Tattaglias, so he clearly had things to hide from the Corleones.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@SaintKines
3 күн бұрын
He did call it a "dirty" business and he was saying this to a very blunt and obviously money driven man who he was turning down. Not to mention Sonny had slipped up in front of him. We can't know his true feelings obviously but I think he was definitely morally conflicted.
@user-dd9ny9mu8d
Күн бұрын
So, as a fellow screenwriter, I didn't agree with some of your points at start (notice I didn't say you were wrong, much is opinion) so I said "immgoinf to wait and see what he says about Sonny's outburst and you nailed it; if an inexperienced Sonny didn't jump I'm and say " waitaminute, you're saying the D'Tallias guarantee....." we'd habe no story as you pointed out, it waa the EXPERIENCED Sollatzo who recognized this and thought to kill POP and Junior will eventually cool off. He even says it in the trailer after kidnapping Tom " Sonny was hot for my idea, and you knew it was the right thing" good call, my friend
@decodinghollywood8175
23 сағат бұрын
@@user-dd9ny9mu8d thank you very much! I get that it is a controversial scene, but this is just my opinion
@michaell874
12 сағат бұрын
The only true problem I have with this scene is that up to that point, Michael was just a civilian, and should have never been requested by Solozzo or anybody else to have taken part in such a meeting.
@toddstroger9505
6 сағат бұрын
Micheal had been brought into the action through the hospital
@michaell874
6 сағат бұрын
@@toddstroger9505 That was just him being the son of Vito. Once again, he was a civilian who should have never have been punched by MCClusky. In fact, McClusky should have been whacked for that incident by Solozzo it Barzini because Michael was still just a civilian.
@edsedlak6827
13 күн бұрын
This whole movie is a masterpiece. I try to watch it at least once a year.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@DeCurtaRican
13 күн бұрын
Do people I understand that there’s no “might have to take action” and no “decision to be made?” Michael knew he was going to delete them both the whole time.
@jondstewart
5 күн бұрын
I’ve just now realized Michael didn’t follow Clemenza’s orders to the letter. If he did, he would have shot the Captain and Solozzo right after he exited the restroom with two shots in the head apiece, then dropped the gun immediately afterwards. Instead he was nervous as hell, hesitated, shot Solozzo once in the head, shot the Captain in the throat accidentally the first time, then in the head, walked away with the gun for a short time, then dropped it.
@donaldcarpenter5328
4 күн бұрын
Michael was covered by someone at a table to his left who wasn't there when he went into the head. After shooting Sollozzo and McCluskey Michael wheeled around and the guy placed his hands on the table and shook his head "no". Michael wheeled back dropped the gun and went out the door. The driver of Sollozzo's car was already DEAD (Tessio)
Күн бұрын
It's a long time since I read the book but I believe Michael shoots McCluskey in the throat deliberately, as revenge, and lets him suffer very briefly before finishing the job.
@dangl650
Күн бұрын
When parts 1 & 2 were broadcast as a 5 part mini series in chronological order the dinner scene had subtitles
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
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@mattcarlucci
14 күн бұрын
It wouldn’t be his “first kill”. don’t forget, he’s recently back from war. It would just be his first murder.
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@mattcarlucci true
@halfsourlizard9319
14 күн бұрын
Government-sanctioned murder is still murder.
@josephpadula2283
12 күн бұрын
He was a combat decorated Marine Officer . He had probably already killed before with government sanction . In this case he was acting on justifiable homicide as a civilian . What would the penalty be then for hiring a hit ? Same as an actual murder . So the penalty he gave was the same as the government would have after a trial . Also the mob title are military , a made man is Soldier . So in this case he was authorized by his mob chain of command to do this .
@mattcarlucci
12 күн бұрын
@@josephpadula2283 No way McClusky would have gotten the death penalty for being a corrupt cop in the late 40s NY. And killing a man without due process is still murder.
@josephpadula2283
12 күн бұрын
@@mattcarlucci In our value system , not theirs .
@DonRamiro1
19 күн бұрын
1) They're not speaking Italian in the film but rather Sicilian 2) The meeting scene where Sollozzo says "my compliments" was him keeping Tom on the wrong trail. Sollozzo working with the Tattaglias was meant to throw off the Corleone family. Sollozzo was really in cahoots with Barzini. Tattaglia as the red herring. 3) It's already been noted but bears repeating. It wasn't Paulie but rather Fat Clemenza.
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
Yes, I misspoke on the last part. I was probably thinking about Goodfellas
@padraig0703
18 күн бұрын
Yes, that could explain why Michael grilled Carlo about who approached him, even after he gave the order to kill Barzini. Michael is extremely smart and didn't want to be outsmarted.
@padraig0703
18 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 good videos. We all know and love these movies so well i knew what you meant. Look forward to your other vids.
@decodinghollywood8175
18 күн бұрын
@@padraig0703 thank you so much! Welcome to the community. So happy to have you, and I really appreciate your positive comments
@nickditoro
14 күн бұрын
Thanks for pointing out that they were speaking in dialect and not in Italian.
@jondstewart
5 күн бұрын
This was a great scene, but if you’ve put the puzzle together and seen it in its entirety, killing Solozzo and the police Captain didn’t solve anything and kept the war going. Don Barzini was the mastermind behind the whole scheme. Tom Hagen failed to realize it initially and thought Tattalgia was the protector of Solozzo and even at the meeting when Barzini was sitting at the head of the table and doing most of the talking and talking about negotiations, he still failed to realize. Vito would have still been screwed in the long run if he went along with Solozzo’s plan for a drug trade. But at the meeting, Don Corleone swore he would never seek revenge on the death of his son. And he didn’t. He played his chess piece right! Instead, Michael told him in a deleted scene when they’re having a conversation at the end that he’d do it himself.
@decodinghollywood8175
5 күн бұрын
@@jondstewart great insight! I hope you subscribe and keep giving great feedback on the videos!
@miketaylorID1
11 күн бұрын
Always wondered if Fredo was crying over his father presumably being dead or dying. Or was he crying at his own incompetence and weakness
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
It's art so it's open to interpretation, but that's an interesting thought. He was probably overwhelmed
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@burtmann3921
4 күн бұрын
he's too frail so its both. great observation
@miketaylorID1
4 күн бұрын
@@burtmann3921 🙏🏼
@burtmann3921
4 күн бұрын
@@miketaylorID1 😉👍
@vincentprospero2809
3 күн бұрын
Solozzo is NOT impressed with the information about the Tataglias. He knows that he’s working with Barzini but wants to mislead the Corleones.
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
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@Silivrina
23 сағат бұрын
The reason why there were no captions is because Michael doesn't understand what is being said, his italian is very poor
@decodinghollywood8175
22 сағат бұрын
@@Silivrina there are a few interpretations of this, and this is my favorite one
@Griegg
13 күн бұрын
It was Clemenza who told Michael to start shooting immediately when he got the gun, not Paulie. Paulie was Vito's bodyguard, who had kept calling in sick so that Solozo's men could catch Vito vulnerable to assassination.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
@@Griegg yes, I misspoke
@albertcampbell4189
10 күн бұрын
Doesn’t anyone notice Coppola’s shout out to Alfred Hitchcock in Vito’s shooting scene? The trumpet playing scales heard throughout the neighborhood, is almost identical to a scene in “Rear Window”. Check it out, yeh. Bonus film history points for me!⭐️⭐️⭐️ Michelin aficionado ❤️🔥👍🏽🍀
@decodinghollywood8175
10 күн бұрын
love that! maybe I'll do some analysis of Hitchcock soon
@petesaria-hf1xh
6 күн бұрын
Moot point.
@markgillis6356
13 күн бұрын
Sorry, but I disagree with a key point. Michael was NOT going there to negotiate. He wasn't weighing whether to kill the Turk. Michael never waffles about anything. That decision had already been made (when he first proposed it and everyone laughed at him, he stated clearly and unequivocally that he didn't trust deals, that Sollozzo intended to kill the Don, so it was absolutely necessary to kill them first). His conversation with the Turk was an effort to fake him out, to make him believe that Michael was meekly asking for terms of surrender. That lulled Sollozzo just enough to allow Michael to shoot them both dead. Your proposed interpretation makes the scene dramatic for different reasons, but IMHO it is NOT the correct interpretation.
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
I think this was the "refusal to the call" in the hero's journey that is otherwise absent, but I am open to other interpretations. What do you think the scene was about?
@timconsidine6023
9 күн бұрын
BOOM! You nailed it. Thank you
@decodinghollywood8175
9 күн бұрын
@@timconsidine6023 that's fine. It's a common objection at this point. In the book, solozzo guarantees the Don's safety which is different from the movie. I think this scene is about Michael coming to terms with his decision in a way that he hadn't in other scenes, which is why he hesitates and doesn't follow Clemenza's instructions. But what do you think this scene is about in subtext? What's the conflict? Stakes? And why does Michael get so mad when solozzo can't guarantee Vito's safety?
@joshuaridgway3230
4 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 Not every story has to follow the heroes journey.
@decodinghollywood8175
4 күн бұрын
@@joshuaridgway3230 sure, but I believe that this is the story of a good person who goes bad, which means that he would be coming to terms with the action at some point. this is the first time we see any resistance to the idea that he's going to do the hit
@larky368
14 күн бұрын
There is a major flaw in Vito's portrayal. Early on it is pointed out that when he made a reasonable (even generous) offer to the band leader that he expects him to go along. To refuse is to become his enemy. He made him an offer he dare not refuse. So why didn't he realize that the other families would consider Vito their enemy when he refused to help the Turk start his drug scheme?
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
He didn't realize Solozzo was making an offer Vito couldn't refuse
@ysgol3
13 күн бұрын
I think the 'refusal' scene is meant to convey that if the Corleones had been united against the drugs plan Salozzo would have had to leave them alone and think up another plan. But Sonny disastrously messed up.
@Joey_Keys
5 күн бұрын
He may have realized this. Even in the brief clips here, Vito seems not sure what to do, though he knows he doesn’t want to be involved with narcotics. I think his hesitation can be explained by him knowing that saying no to Sollozzo could bring some major heat from the other families.
@daveverplank
8 күн бұрын
Thank you for showing those subtitles.
@decodinghollywood8175
8 күн бұрын
@@daveverplank glad to liked the video. Hope you subscribe and join the community!
@JeovaNeto
2 күн бұрын
1 - Michael was there with the purpose of killing them 2 - Michael wanted to kill them (corrupt cop and the gangster who tried to kill his father Despite all this, he was all the time thinking if it would be the right thing/what his father would've done
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
thank you! hope you subscribe and enjoy future videos
@nolabrooks9906
20 күн бұрын
Fredo was soft as cotton. They should have sent him to Idaho or Wyoming to live the country life, Family Protection Plan. 😂
@busterbiloxi3833
13 күн бұрын
They could have sent him to some Mickey Mouse nightclub.
@waynej2608
12 күн бұрын
@busterbiloxi3833 But keep him away from the cocktail waitresses, or the players won't be able to order a drink! 😅
@johngregoryhill5496
3 күн бұрын
No, Fredo would not survive in Idaho or Wyoming. In those places if your soft & a sleaze you get found out & most likely eliminated or run out of town. NY & Vegas we’re perfect for this cowardice slime-ball to do well in as real life shows.
@jp-nq5wd
19 күн бұрын
Solazzo could have promised Michael whatever he asked for, it would have made no difference. Solazzo and Capt. McClusky were going to get whacked...period!
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@jp-nq5wd we don't know that necessarily. Tom was against the killing in the first place. It started a huge war. And if what you're saying is true, then what was the point of the scene? It would have no stakes or character development
@jp-nq5wd
19 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 go back to the scene where they are all planning this dinner between Michael, Solazzo and McClusky. Michael even mentioned that they have people on the payroll in the the newspaper to bring up how dirty McClusky is (after he's killed). Sonny even teases Michael that killing them isn't like in the war where it's done from a mile away. Clemenza schooled Michael on how to use a gun in the basement and what to do after he whacked them. There was no peaceful way this was going to end. It was a done deal. But you have your opinion, so we'll just have to disagree.
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@jp-nq5wd it's a surprisingly controversial scene and a lot of people have said the same thing as you. I wonder what the movie looks like if he doesn't kill solozzo, but if he was dead set on killing them, why did he ask them for a guarantee that his father was safe?
@jp-nq5wd
19 күн бұрын
I think he said that to Sollozo just to decoy him into thinking this was just a dinner to try and work things out. If only Sollozo knew Michael’s bags were packed and he would soon be on a flight to Sicily!
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@jp-nq5wd I'll rewatch it, especially with the director's commentary. Obviously, everyone is open to their own interpretation
@davebarrowcliffe1289
3 күн бұрын
They don't make films like this any more...
@davidcoufal8724
7 күн бұрын
"Somebody wants something. Somebody wants another thing." Chances are; you are thinking of such an upcoming meeting. Hopefully not with guns.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@chloemchll3774
Ай бұрын
Also, as a point of order- Michael goes to the restaurant intending to kill the Turk and his blue bodyguard. It isn’t a question of whether Michael can make a deal with the Turk- he knows he can’t (even Tom acknowledges that the Turk won’t stop until Vito is dead because that’s a key to getting what he wants from the Corleone, and Sonny wouldn’t dream of making peace with the man responsible for the attempt on his father’s life regardless of what Michael might theoretically negotiate out of the meeting.) Michael goes there knowing he is going to kill the Turk, and the delay isn’t about his trying to find another way out of it, but rather him making peace with what he knows he went there to do, as well as trying to pick the perfect moment to do it when their guard is down.
@decodinghollywood8175
Ай бұрын
@@chloemchll3774 I think if he had made up his mind, he would have followed the plan. Making peace is part of the indecisiveness
@chloemchll3774
29 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 True that he didn’t follow Clemenza’s instructions, but I take that more as Michael choosing his own judgment (the cop and the Turk will both be more on guard the moment he comes out of the bathroom, so returning to the table and waiting a moment or two allows them to let their guards down- in other words, Michael not following Clemenza’s plan to the letter is actually probably safer for Michael) and perhaps also Michael is recognizing that going through with his plan is the true point of no return- up to this point he could still stay out of the mafia business (despite the hospital “I’m with you” scene) but once he kills a rival gangster and a cop, he’s in. That said, his intention when he shows up to the meeting isn’t to negotiate a peace with the Turk- it is to kill him, and anyone else he has to to secure his father’s safety. Remember in the scene where they plan this, Michael is the one who first suggests they can kill a cop and is the first to bring up the idea that they have to kill the Turk or Vito will never be safe. I think the delay is better explained by the idea that Michael is using his own judgment rather than following Clemenza’s plan to the letter, and it also shows that Michael, despite his planning the execution of the Turk, isn’t really yet the hardened gangster he ultimately becomes. At this point, he is just beginning his journey into becoming a tragic hero.
@decodinghollywood8175
29 күн бұрын
@@chloemchll3774 100%. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments.. It's actually been a point of major controversy, and the video is just my opinion, but I think the arc of Michael is going from military hero to a person who kills his own family for the sake of the rest of his family and the depiction is of a man who goes from good to evil. Therefore, I feel like his hesitation is an important character moment. Also, even though they premeditated the killing, Michael doesn't go along with the plan, which shows that he still wants to exert whatever agency he has. His turn in the earlier scene comes very quickly, so this is a moment of thoughtfulness from Michael that ultimately leads to an all out war
@chloemchll3774
27 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 I agree about the arc, but think Michael is further along in the transformation by this scene. I think somewhere between the scene at the hospital when Michael saves Vito and the scene back at the Corleone mansion where the hit against the cop and the Turk is planned, Michael changes. As for the hesitance after he comes back from the bathroom, I think that is more meant to show that Michael trusts his own judgment over Clemenza’s instructions. Michael knows how on edge the Turk is, so he wants to act as casual as possible. Also, right as Michael is going into the bathroom, we hear what sounds like an elevated subway passing by the restaurant, and Michael ends up waiting for the next train to come through to shoot, which I see as him trying to use the extra split second of confusion the extra noise creates. While I could accept the idea that Michael shows up to that meeting and could be talked out of the murders if he hears exactly what he needs to, he already has heard enough before going to the bathroom (in particular, when the Turk responds to Michael’s demand for his father’s safety by playing the victim and referring to himself as the hunted) to know he has to go through with it. But, I’ll happily agree that part of what makes this movie so good is the fact that we can both find evidence to support our interpretation of where Michael is on his descent, as this demonstrates just how complex a character Michael is.
@mphrdldn
26 күн бұрын
Michael may have wanted to listen a little longer to Solozzo to glean more information and insight.
@madlang478
11 күн бұрын
It’s brilliant because it also lets you see Michael at the crossroads of the decision which will determine his whole life from then on. Would he actually consider negotiating with Solozzo if he had guaranteed his father’s safety…or was he there to kill Solozzo no matter what, for his father’s safety and for his family’s honor, because of the INSULT. Obviously he chose the latter and that was his pattern as the Don. But it’s an amazing insight into his character because here he has that choice, and he is thinking he must consider it, but revenge and family win out.
@Tenzin62
5 күн бұрын
Michael has already killed. He went to war as a U.S. soldier. He became the monster he already was. He inherited his fathers patience. He has wisdom.
@MarkusAudio
19 күн бұрын
Solozzo basically showed that Michael was 5 steps ahead of them, when he said that the hit on Vito was "strictky business ". Michael could well tell him what he told Sonny, my hit on you Solozzo "it's not personal... "
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@MarkusAudio there's great subtext even there. Maybe Michael realized in that moment that his motivations were personal
@ExiledAndBanished
19 күн бұрын
when you say around 15 to 16 minutes that this is mikes first kill.. although it isn't directly stated i don't think that's true. hes explicitly stated to be a war hero in ww2. hes probably killed a lot more people than we are ever shown. first kill in the mob? yes.
@decodinghollywood8175
19 күн бұрын
@@ExiledAndBanished true
@padraig0703
18 күн бұрын
Yes, but in war its killed or be killed. Then you go home. When you're committing a homicide, they give you the chair. Still, his war experience is why he can kill, unlike Fredo.
@mussman717word
7 күн бұрын
Dude, stop interrupting the greatest scene ever filmed. We can read, you know. I'm not trying to be mean, but it was a bit much.
@joelemaine
5 сағат бұрын
What's not mentioned is how Michael waited until the train came by to shoot them. The noise from the train drowned out the gun shot
@MrTL3wis
Күн бұрын
Don Corleone knows if the family starts dealing drugs that Sonny will be taking them. Above everything, he's trying to keep his family in one piece, so he avoids the deal.
@mbryson2899
7 сағат бұрын
Al Lettieri was magnificent in this film. The whole cast was remarkable to me, it's one of those films in which I see the _characters,_ not the _actors,_ from beginning to end.
@helenaconstantine
5 күн бұрын
where is the hidden meaning? He's just point out the bleeding obvious, Vito=Augustus Michael=Tiberius "The Corleones were like the Roman Empire."
@decodinghollywood8175
5 күн бұрын
that's a great observation, but the scene was originally without subtitles, so the meaning of that scene was hidden
@thomasthomas2418
12 күн бұрын
Even after McCluskey is shot in the head, he still looks like he wants to get up and kick the hell out of Michael!
@marshalllomazow9695
11 күн бұрын
Puzo claims in the book that the policeman is stunned because he felt immune to mob violence.
@robertlevinson9188
14 күн бұрын
I really feel bad the James Caan got killed SO early on.
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@robertlevinson9188 I do too
@busterbiloxi3833
13 күн бұрын
That’s why you should always be on your guard at a tollbooth.
@jrpipik
13 күн бұрын
And if Robert Deniro had played Sonny, like Coppola wanted, he wouldn't have been around for Godfather 2!
@MarcIverson
2 күн бұрын
The squealing of the train wheels on their tracks as Michael gets more and more simply wound up on the one hand and the more and more committed to vengeance and becoming a multiple murderer and entering the family business that he confesses to Kaye he despises ....is edge-of-your-seat psychological drama taken to an unbearable extreme only resolvable in a violent catharsis. The only scene I can compare it to in my long life of movie viewing is Robert DeNiro's driving to his "out" in Heat slowly churning over in his mind, with virtuoso facial expressions, whether he shouldn't just risk it all and gain vengeance against Waingro in Heat, an absolute master class in acting showing a person somehow lured by their own worst self into changing their mind regardless of the cost. His grim-faced yet suddenly almost joyous change of heart back to his original nature, instantaneously veering back into the grimly bitter and steely determination, when turning the steering wheel to his doom you're crying out for him to avoid, to go with the wonderful girl, to stick to his lifelong well-earned solid plan, could have been written in a chapter of words but, like Michael's scene when he is picking out his life's future as the train's wheels screech insanely against their tracks, it was all eyes and expression, subtle tensions fighting against each other until it was all too late to stop.
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
thank you! hope you subscribe and enjoy future videos
@docbearmb
18 күн бұрын
How do you come up with the assumption that Michael is going to decide whether or not to kill Sollozzq and the Capt.? He said when he was together with Sonny, Tom and the two capos that the Turk was going to keep trying to get rid of Vito; "it's the key..." He fully intended to kill them both and made that crystal clear. And as to hesitance about shooting them, because it was his first, Please! He did plenty of killing in the Pacific. A Marine doesn't get awarded the Navy Cross for sitting at a desk. He's been in life and death combat!
@decodinghollywood8175
18 күн бұрын
@@docbearmb because otherwise the scene doesn't have stakes. If he had already made up his mind, he wouldn't have asked for a guarantee that his father was safe
@timverba4830
14 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175- We must give Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola great applause for developing a work of art that continues to be discussed and argued after fifty years. I think Michael intended to kill both Sollozzo and McCloskey. I also think when Sollozzo could not give a guarantee that the attempts on Vito's life would stop, Michael realized that he was not talking to the true decision maker. After he returned from the bathroom, Michael sat back down against the advice of Clemenza and Sonny. Why? 1) He did not have a good shot to kill both from the distance immediately outside of the bathroom; 2) Michael wanted to get more information from Sollozzo to see if the true decision maker was the Tattaglia Family or someone else. The rage (the train) finally got to Michael while Sollozzo was just babbling on stalling for time.
@Intunewithtmill
14 күн бұрын
According to THE BOOK he went there deliberately to kill both of them he wasnt looking for a compromise.
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@docbearmb that's the whole point of the scene. If his mind was already made up, he would have held his intent much better. He would have said, "I'll work with you, Solozzo" and then shot him without hesitation. Telling Solozzo that he wants his father's safety is a risk if he already knows what he wants
@decodinghollywood8175
14 күн бұрын
@@timverba4830 my feeling is that if he had already made up his mind, he would have played more coy. He would have said, "I'm going to work with you, Solozzo" to put his enemies at ease. Saying that he wants his father's safety is a risk and puts him in conflict
@ArizonaJoeHines
6 күн бұрын
The restaurant scene was the very first to be filmed.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@j-mac7401
9 күн бұрын
The countless of times I watched this film - this scene is so freakin good and there is one thing about it I always ponder. Micheal first pops Salozzo in the head making it quick and precise like a well trained soldier. He does this just a foot or two right in front of McClusky who happens to be the Chief of NYPD. McClusky is also a dirty cop who has sided with other rival families and also the man who broke Micheals jaw a few weeks prior. In my opinion, Micheal takes out Salazzo first and for a second pauses just enough for McClusky to not only witness the crime but also feel helpless for not having the means to stop the crime - even though he is known as the guy fighting crime for many years. Next, Micheal shoots McClusky but not a head shot but in McClusky's throat - creating pain and having to experience it like Micheal did with his broking jaw. Lastly Micheal makes sure he is the last face McClusky will ever see by Micheal finishing his mission by a single shot to the Chief Mc's noggin then off to Sicily for a year or 2....
@vincentprospero2809
3 күн бұрын
Wait, Solozzo says he’s an “uomo d’honore”, a man of honor which is a made man in Sicily. He could be saying that he outranks Michael (Michael is a civilian) or just that being a made man is an honorable thing. Also, Michael intended to kill him the whole time.
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
thank you! hope you subscribe and enjoy future videos
@vincentprospero2809
Күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 I did subscribe! Very entertaining videos.
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
@@vincentprospero2809 Thank you so much! We are cultivating a great community! I'll do more videos soon!
@Horifice
9 күн бұрын
Nice analysis. It had never occurred to me that Sonny’s outburst is the initiator of Solozzo’s assassination attempt, on Vito, but I suppose it makes sense: is it that Sonny, the heir, has only the objection about Tattaglia involvement, so he could still be persuaded, whereas Solozzo can’t do anything about Vito’s objections about losing the influence of politicians if they get into narcotics. So Soolzzo’s solution is to replace Vito with Sonny? However, i agree with some of the comments below, that! Michael has already determined that he would kill both men. Michael discusses things with Solozzo just to get the gun and choose his moment. The “Italian” being spoken is a mixture of formal Italian and Sicilan dialect (a subset of Neapolitan; the family of dialects spoken in southern Italy and Sicily). The translation is a bit off, but the sense is there. Amusing that Solozzo refers to “questi/chisti cazzati”, literally “these cockeries”, the equivalent of “all this stupid fucking around”, i.e., the recent trouble. A nice related italian verb (from “cazzo”, cock) is”cazzeggiare”, literally to dick about.
@decodinghollywood8175
9 күн бұрын
@@Horifice I recognize that Michael made the decision earlier on in the movie, but I'm just waiting on someone to tell me what the scene is about and why it takes so long. He made such a supposedly strong decision in the hagen scene out of protection of his father, but I feel like this scene takes a long time because it's about him finally descending into the family after he resisted it for so long. If his mind was made up fully, the topic of his father's safety would have never come up because it's a source of conflict. I'm trying to analyze what's beneath the surface because so often in great literature, what people are saying is not what they mean (which is what everyone is saying about the dinner scene), but I am saying it about the Hagen scene Who knows. Coppola is active on social media. He could come out and say I'm wrong. But he also made a deliberate change from the book where solozzo guarantees Vito's safety
@Horifice
9 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 The scene is long and significant simply because, as you suggest, it’s Michael’s descent into first-hand criminality. What he tells Kay in the wedding scene after relating the Johnnie Fontaine story (something like “that’s my family; it’s not me”) is no longer true. This is the major turning point for the character. The length and the dialogue keep us in suspense (Will he do it? When? Will he succeed?) Besides, logically, Solozzo can’t proceed while Vito lives (and therefore still running the family), so Michael must know that Solozzo, encouraged all the more by his impression of Sonny, will keep trying. Michael speaks of Vito’s safety to play for time, and because Michael raising the subject is a plausible reason to both Solozzo and McCluskey for the meeting. Michael’s looks of anger are understandable while he’s faced with two men who have tried to engineer his father’s killing. Solozzo is a ruthless drug dealer, clever with a knife, and McCluskey is a bent copper (who thumped Michael most dishonourably)-two characters despicable enough to Michael, the decorated serviceman who, up until now, could have been considered (and perhaps considered himself) an upstanding citizen.
@decodinghollywood8175
9 күн бұрын
@@Horifice Yes, I think the suspense is justified because it's a huge character moment for him. obviously, it's open to interpretation, but even killing Solozzo is a way to protect his father
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@sgalvin15
5 күн бұрын
Sonny wasn't asking if Tataglia would protect their investment, he was scoffing at the idea. The Don was angry at Sonny because he showed his distain for the Tataglia family in front of an outsider.
@decodinghollywood8175
5 күн бұрын
@@sgalvin15 i disagree. It seems like everyone knew it was a bad decision for sonny to do that
@unc1589
13 күн бұрын
This was never a real negotiation. Nothing salatzo could say would’ve changed Mikes mind. You had mentioned “he knows he might have to take action” as if this wasn’t a planned hit. Otherwise great commentary.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
@@unc1589 Thanks for the feedback. My question is that if his mind was already made up, why did he present a conflict with solozzo by saying he wanted his father's safety? Why didn't he play coy or tell solozzo that he agreed with solozzo? That would have been more cunning and would not have brought on conflict
@markfilipas1763
12 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 I think it's clear that Michael feigned a possible openness to detente so as to slightly soften any suspicion or antagonism on Solozzo's part during the discussion. It fed into Solozzo's hopes as to how the meeting should go. If Mike, whose father had nearly died at this man's hand, had pretended that he didn't hold some shred of resentment and distrust, it would have come off as an obvious fake play.
@idx1941
2 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 you're trying to justify your flawed comment. Michael was always going to kill both of them. THAT was the plan! He and Sonny, et al were not discussing various options based upon how the meeting might go.
@decodinghollywood8175
2 күн бұрын
@@idx1941 that was the plan, but there were hitches in the plan. I'm trying to explain why he didn't come out shooting immediately like Clemenza told him to. I think it's a character moment. If people disagree, that's fine, but I see this as a story about a good person going bad and that'd the tragedy. If he's already primed for a hit, then that story is less strong. Since Michael had no hesitation in the scenes with Hagen, Sonny, and Clemenza, this was the first time he showed hesitation
@idx1941
2 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 most times the simple answer is the best. Coppola is making a movie. He's bringing tension into the scene. Now do you think that Michael coming out blasting would've made a better scene? Would we be talking about that scene 50 years later? No! There is a reason you're doing a youtube video and not winning Oscar's! Now sit down!
@redblackandgreen
8 күн бұрын
I've always loved the symbol of the noise of the train sound.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@ballybunion9
8 күн бұрын
4:55: The Don's fate was sealed by Sonny's little outburst there. Salazzo saw that Sonny might give him what he wanted, and the Don definitely would not.
@decodinghollywood8175
8 күн бұрын
@@ballybunion9 yes!
@Jeremy-y1t
16 сағат бұрын
Sollozzo and McCluskey would have shot Michael as soon as he began to stand up. Lou would have shot Michael as he left the restaurant alone.
@shuroom57
Күн бұрын
I always wondered what happened to Solozzo's driver, "Lou", who had made that nifty U-turn in the Holland Tunnel. What, did he just hear all the shooting, slink down in his seat and say, "F that 💩, I'm just the driver, dudes."?
@fvecc
15 күн бұрын
In the end, it appears Vito was wrong. And everything in the movie hinges on his mistake. Sonny dies, and Michael is forced to sacrifice his legitimate life based on the belief that American politicians wouldn’t accept bribes derived from drug money. But eventually, Vito accepts the original deal offered by Sollozzo. He enters the drug business to ensure Michael’s safety and to bring him back from Sicily. And although we’re never told, we can assume that the politicians accepted that drug money after all.
@decodinghollywood8175
15 күн бұрын
@@fvecc great analysis. Hope you subscribe and contribute great comments like that to future videos
@marshalllomazow9695
11 күн бұрын
Unfortunately, they did. Politicians are corrupt . Don't wan to get political but look at the last two president's. And what a line when in 2 when Michael says to he senator " We're both part of the same hypocracy"
@Chuckey88s
22 күн бұрын
This narrator does not provide screen writing analysis. it more like Garret Morris yelling: our top story tonight! on SNL. Captain obvious also gets Michaels motivation wrong. better to watch the directors commentary
@decodinghollywood8175
22 күн бұрын
@@Chuckey88s the funny thing is that some people didn't agree with the analysis while some said it was obvious. Check out my departed video and tell me if that was obvious or tell me what you think is a hidden subtext in a movie and I'll dig into it
@padraig0703
18 күн бұрын
i watched the director's commentary many years back on both films. All i recall was anecdotes which were interesting and complaints about the studio strong arming Coppola, not much talk about the plot.
@decodinghollywood8175
18 күн бұрын
@@padraig0703 i listened to it yesterday, but there was no mention of character motives
@busterbiloxi3833
13 күн бұрын
Morris was on SNL in 1975, a minor actor along with Larraine Newman.
@jennaebranch4293
6 күн бұрын
1 of My Fav Scenes❗️... What Vito told Sonny When Sollozzo left Is My Fav Line‼️. Sometimes the Family Is U
@williamgallop9425
12 күн бұрын
Solozzo: "i am a man of honor" a.k.a. member of Cosa Nostra.
@esseen100
6 күн бұрын
Sollozo made an offhand comment of how much control the Don has of politicians, that in its tone "lowered" him. You can see the Don's displeasure by how he brushed his face off which we saw in godfather to stemmed from when the neighborhood Don touched his face and he (Vito) wiped it off.
@romulanwang
5 күн бұрын
No, he isn't trying to think if he can get out of it, he is coming to terms with it and preparing himself to not give himself away. When the train is going by he has just zoned out, and is becoming detached to allow himself to go through with it.
@mheff28
12 күн бұрын
Corleone went to the restaurant to kill him. No negotiation.
@reggiewallace260
4 күн бұрын
I wonder if Jacob even watched the Godfather? As this film begins, Michael proclaims he is not a "man like his father". His father is Sicilian and lives by the old ways grew up in the streets and educated in the streets. He was baptized by blood and honor and the importance of family. To him, family is everything. Michael, on the other hand tries resist this side of himself and tries to become an American, he goes to college and becomes a Marine war hero. Michael knows nothing about Sollozzo, or his father's meeting with Sollazzo until after his father is shot. Michael resists, but is pulled into the dispute by Sollazzo who proposes a meeting between Michael and himself to make peace. At the ensuing dinner, Sollazzo tries to speak to Michael in Italian -- something the American Police Capt McCluskey does not understand. It symbolizes Michael link to his family and it's Sicilian tradition. At the dinner Michael struggles speaking Italian symbolizing his resistance to giving up his American ways and fully submitting to his "other side". But the words Sollazzo speaks leaves Michael no other choice. The sound of the train symbolizes the internal struggle Michael endures before his ultimate submission and the train's sound grows to a crescendo, finally asks to use the bathroom - where the gun is hidden. Michael knows that when he comes out of the bathroom with the gun there is no turning back. The gun is difficult to find but he searches for it desperately with both hands, symbolizing he is now committed crossing over. He kills Sollazzo and McCluskey, then goes to hide in Sicily where he wants to visit his Father home town. In Coreleone he meets the girl Apollonia who symbolizes the Sicilian tradition Michael has previously resisted. His marriage to Apollonia is his acceptance of his fathers way of life. But Apolonia dies violently which is Michael's final baptism of blood into his father world. His fathers baptism of blood was the death of his father, mother and brother at the hands of a local mafia boss, Don Ciccio. I apologize for the simplicity of this interpretation as this is more complex than I explain here.
@decodinghollywood8175
4 күн бұрын
I feel like we're on the same page on a lot of this stuff, but I was just setting up the dinner scene
@reggiewallace260
2 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 I understand. This scene was integral to the movie into understanding Michael. Perhaps the video just simplified it a bit too much for me. Still, thanks for the look back at a masterpiece.
@decodinghollywood8175
2 күн бұрын
@@reggiewallace260 I might have been unclear in my analysis, but I'm describing the feeling the audience should have of someone's writing. I want my channel to be a resource for writers and people who love art
@markendee
17 сағат бұрын
Not Paulie, Clemenza. If you don't know this you don't understand one thing.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 сағат бұрын
@@markendee yeah, I misspoke
@Pbadome1
13 күн бұрын
I am subscribed now, good job, good breakdown. Couple of "off the cuff" remarks. I'm Sicilian, my father took the family to see this in the theater, I was 12 years old. I also read the book around that age which fills in some gaps but then the movie would have been twice as long. One writing flaw in this scene is when Michael asks Virgil Sollozzo to guarantee his father's safety and he replied, "what guarantees can I give you kid, I'm the hunted one". However, in the car ride to the restaurant, Mike says, "I don't want my father bothered anymore", and Sollozzo says, "He won't be Mike, I swear on my children". A minor misstep in a great script. Finally, a bit of trivia. James Caan was eating the "prop" peanuts and it pissed off Marlon Brando. Also, that scene with Michael searching for the gun, was actually real, because in rehearsal it was planted somewhere else on the back and lower, he actually had to find it during this shoot because it was planted somewhere higher and off to the left. The Godfather movie, as you know and can agree, is a masterpiece which I would say can be taken apart line by line for the perfection that it was.
@markgillis6356
13 күн бұрын
The inconsistencies between Sollozzo's assurance to Michael in the car and his refusal to give a guarantee at dinner is not a flaw in the writing. Sollozzo is a snake and a liar. He lulls Michael at first, then thinks he can bully him. This was a grave miscalculation
@Pbadome1
13 күн бұрын
@@markgillis6356 I don't necessarily disagree with you, however, after Michael said, in the car, "I don't want my father bothered anymore", the next line, if any from Sollozzo should have been, "that's what we'll talk about". He was already a hostage in the car. Oh, and by the way, after Mike asked to go to the bathroom, Sollozzo checked him again, then as Mike walked away, McCluskey said, "I frisked him, I frisked a thousand young punks", which is opposition to his fake apology in the car. Just another small detail that made this movie a masterpiece. It showed that McCluskey had zero respect for Michael.
@waynej2608
12 күн бұрын
Why did Brando get pissed off about Caan eating the peanuts? I mean, I thought that Brando was a method actor and thus would approve of this.
@Pbadome1
12 күн бұрын
@@waynej2608 Well, Brando is eccentric, so much so that Coppola told Paramount Pictures who didn't want him because he's trouble, that he would do the role for free, do a screen test, and sign a waiver if the filming goes overtime because of him. As for the peanut story, that's a classic. Jimmy Caan grabbed a nut that he couldn't open and Brando was trying to do a serious scene and felt that Caan upstaged him. But, according to Jimmy Caan, when the shoot was done, Brando starting laughing like crazy.
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
That's some great insight. It adds even more nuisance to the discussion. That means that the book was changed to have Solozzo say that the Don could still be targeted. Thank you so much!
@catsupchutney
8 күн бұрын
Michael would never make that mistake.
@craigmaloney6340
10 күн бұрын
There's at least 10 seconds between Vito being shot and Fredo's reaction.
@decodinghollywood8175
10 күн бұрын
Damn, hasn't Fredo had enough abuse?
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@tone0757
7 күн бұрын
I actually never knew the restaurant was in the Bronx until recently. It’s not too far from where I grew up near Gun Hill Road.
@decodinghollywood8175
7 күн бұрын
love that!
@zulubeatz1
6 күн бұрын
Unlikely that it was Michael's first kill, as he was a Marine during WW2 and was decorated.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@mindjob
23 күн бұрын
Love how he waits a second to drop the gun
@decodinghollywood8175
23 күн бұрын
@@mindjob hell yeah! The suspense!
@Pbadome1
13 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 And when Clemenza says, "Ok kid, what do you do next?" Michael says, "I sit down and finish my dinner". The look on Clemenza's face was priceless.
@decodinghollywood8175
6 күн бұрын
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@rosanna5515
18 сағат бұрын
Perhaps the moment when Michael realises and appropriates his role in the family henceforth in a very visceral way.
@Pbadome1
18 сағат бұрын
@@rosanna5515 This is why The Godfather will remain a classic for generations, people are still seeing more details and make critical observations. I agree that what he did was visceral, and I also believe that it began when he pointed the gun. It was robotic, there was no feeling other than to watch coldly while both men took their last breath. Then to do away with the gun in such an indifferent manner. Quick note: Like his father, Vito, Michael only killed once. Anything after that were orders to kill.
@JohnMinehan-lx9ts
11 күн бұрын
It actually is not the first time he has killed someone. He was a decorated Marine Captain, holds the Navy Cross, in the Pacific. It is the first time he has murdered someone..
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
true. i should have clarified
@JohnMinehan-lx9ts
9 күн бұрын
@@decodinghollywood8175 Not trying to be a Troll, but that is a dichotomy many people have in their lives after wars . . . .
@decodinghollywood8175
9 күн бұрын
@@JohnMinehan-lx9ts I understand. I'll be more careful in future videos. I wanted these to be more of my reactions to the scenes as they come so people can learn / hear my perspective on why they work
@CoeThomas
18 күн бұрын
A) bad Publicity is one thing, but mid to low level drug dealers tend to be scum bags and rats and sociopaths. B) Pollazo drinks and takes another when orffered; "youre a serious man is sarcasm" . They dont have time to get into the details of any plan, but we can assume the "plan" is more of a dream .
@busterbiloxi3833
13 күн бұрын
Salozzo. You pig!
@JTfromMN
9 күн бұрын
You're wrong Michael goes back to the table because he has to wait 4 the L train 2 comeback so it will muffle the shots of his gun,
@mzavros
2 күн бұрын
"Due diligence"
@decodinghollywood8175
Күн бұрын
thank you! hope you subscribe and enjoy future videos
@ritzg98
8 күн бұрын
Sollozzo was negotiating; Michael went to that meeting to kill Solozzo and the police captain. Michael may have been interested in what Sollozzo had to say. But nothing said at that table was going to make a different to Michael. He was going to try to kill those two no matter what. This is not open to interpretation. Michael set the whole thing up as a hit.
@decodinghollywood8175
8 күн бұрын
@@ritzg98 you might be right, but the tension in the scene is Michael eliminating the possibilities
@NostalgicGamerRickOShay
4 күн бұрын
This can't be Michael's first kill because Michael was a marine during the war.
@decodinghollywood8175
4 күн бұрын
@@NostalgicGamerRickOShay i should have said his first hit
@danielmclaughlin5546
13 күн бұрын
Great scene. BUT NEVER LEAVE THE MURDER WEAPON next to the body. They had finger prints in 1946.
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
they had that special tape on it so there weren't prints. I think Clemenza explained it in a previous scene
@lawrencefleischer1414
6 күн бұрын
There's a huge plot hole in this scene. The driver doesn't hear the shots? Really?
@kennethjones5117
5 күн бұрын
That was really good, thank you. I always wanted to know what they were saying
@decodinghollywood8175
5 күн бұрын
@@kennethjones5117 great to hear! See you for the next video
@DeCurtaRican
13 күн бұрын
Conflict is always the basis of a scene. I know that from my drama studies (B.A. University of Washington).
@ysgol3
13 күн бұрын
Hi, Michael was definitely going to kill Solozzo. It was planned - his idea - hence the planting of the gun - and the chat was small talk in which Michael may have been a little interested just to learn more about the man who so nearly had his father killed and also about whether others were behind it (it appears not - it was Solazzo's call). He did hesitate and didn't come out shooting like he'd agreed to, he sat down, but just I think to calm himself so he wouldn't mess up, though this hesitation does clearly add hugely to the suspense and general power of the scene. I especially like what appears to be a train noise getting louder and louder, maybe the restaurant was near a train track, but it's used with such brilliantly original audacity by Coppola to accompany the adrenalin and tension pumping through Michael in the seconds before he killed them. I've always thought that the 'never tell what you're thinking' bit at the end of the Vito and Solozzo scene wasn't needed, a look from Vito would have been enough, indeed I think James Caan and Robert Duvall's brilliant 'reaction' acting was enough in itself to reveal the disastrous mistake Sonny had made. (I think Sonny's delay in getting up to leave was because he was horrified to realise his error, not because he was angry about his father's decision.) Having said that, that end did reveal that Vito missed nothing (he knew about Sonny's mistress) and made crystal clear the most fundamental which he'd instilled within the family in its activities. I find it interesting that Coppola chose not to explore whether Sonny felt guilt for his father's shooting, from which Vito of course never fully recovered. Did it even occur to Sonny at all that it was his fault? He wasn't stupid, but I don't think he was too bright either, so maybe it didn't! Thanks for the analysis, I really enjoyed it - subscribed.
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
thanks so much! welcome to the community!
@Mindfultranslations
12 күн бұрын
What’s not mentioned in the movie but I think relevant- why need Don Vito fa real ? They know politicans are gonna run for cover from drugs - they want corleone so if the ship sinks ? He doesn’t get on the raft that says no drug dealers ! Him being out of the game? Is like having a nuclear weapon. When if he wants? He points out who’s dealing and they sink faster than the titanic! While he floats to safety. That’s the real reason why they must have corleone on deck with them! Ya understand. 😊❤
@decodinghollywood8175
12 күн бұрын
@@Mindfultranslations they feel the politicians will give them political protection from prosecution if they get caught
@MANZANOADRIAN
13 күн бұрын
Would lov to see a henry 5 comparison
@decodinghollywood8175
13 күн бұрын
@@MANZANOADRIAN I love Shakespeare, but that would definitely not be my area of expertise
@marge1102
11 күн бұрын
Very good analysis - thanks
@decodinghollywood8175
11 күн бұрын
@@marge1102 thanks! Welcome to the community, and I hope you subscribe and enjoy the next videos!
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